Vets warning over human salmonella risk from recalled dog food
Several batches of dog food have been recalled after salmonella was found in the products, with a warning that it could pose a serious risk to human health.
While vets agree that the bug is usually relatively harmless when it comes to man’s best friend, because it is a zoonotic disease it can be be passed from animals to humans.
Salmonellosis, the bacterial disease that salmonella causes, can cause life-threatening illness in humans, with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pains.
The UK Food Standards Agency revealed that Natural Instinct Ltd has recalled several dog food products containing duck because the bug has been found in the products.
Official advice warns: “Salmonellosis is uncommon in dogs and cats, but they can be carriers of the bacteria.
“This means that even if the pets don’t show symptoms of salmonellosis, they can still shed Salmonella in their stool and saliva and then spread the bacteria to the home environment and to people and other pets in the household.
“Some ways dogs can spread the bacteria is when they give people kisses or have stool accidents inside the home. Pet waste from both sick and healthy pets can be a source of infection for people.
“When the disease is seen in an adult dog or cat, the animal typically has another infection or health problem at the same time. Puppies and kittens are more likely to show signs of disease. Signs of salmonellosis in dogs and cats include:
- Vomiting;
- Diarrhea (which may be bloody);
- Fever;
- Loss of appetite; and
- Decreased activity level.
The products recalled include:
Working Dog Duck
Pack size: 1 kg and 2 x 500 g
Use-by dates: 08 January 2022, 15 January 2022, 22 January 2022, 13 February 2022, 20 February 2022, 11 March 2022 and 18 March 2022
Pure Duck
Pack size: 1 kg and 2 x 500 g
Use-by dates: 08 January 2022, 15 January 2022, 22 January 2022, 13 February 2022, 20 February 2022, 11 March 2022 and 18 March 2022
Working Dog Puppy
Pack size: 1 kg and 2 x 500 g
Use-by dates: 15 January 2022, 22 January 2022, 13 February 2022, 20 February 2022 and 11 March 2022
Duck Carcass
Pack size: Pack of two
Use-by dates: 08 January 2022, 15 January 2022 and 20 February 2022
Natural Instinct said: “If you have bought any of the products do not use them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund. When handling and serving raw pet food it is always advised to clean utensils and feeding bowls thoroughly after use.
“Consumers should wash hands thoroughly after handling raw pet food, bowls, utensils or after contact with the faeces of animals. Raw pet food should be stored separately from any food (especially ready to eat foods).
“Care should be taken when defrosting to avoid cross contamination of foods and surfaces.”
Sign up to our newsletter here >>>> http://eepurl.com/bD5ouH
